UNIX operating system provides many command line tools and text editors for creating a text file. You can use vi (emacs or joe), a terminal-based text editor for Unix, available under the GPL. It is designed to be easy to use. In short, you can use any one of the following tool:
Tutorial details | |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy (rss) |
Root privileges | No |
Requirements | None |
Time | 5m |
- Unix cat command
- echo or printf command
- vi text editor
- emacs text editor
- joe text editor
- Any other console based text editor
Method #1: Creating a file using echo command
Open the Terminal and then type the following command to create a file called demo.txt, enter:
echo 'The only winning move is not to play.' > demo.txt
OR
printf 'The only winning move is not to play.\n' > demo.txt
OR create a file with two lines in demo-1.txt file:
printf 'The only winning move is not to play.\n Source: WarGames movie\n' > demo-1.txt
To examine the contents of the file you have just created is to type the following command at shell prompt:
cat demo.txt
cat demo-1.txt
Sample outputs:
Method #2: Creating a file using cat command
In this example, create a file named quotes.txt and enter one line of text in it, type the following at the shell prompt:
cat > quotes.txt
You need to press the [Enter] or [Return] key. Finally type the text:
There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose.
Again, press the [Enter] or [Return] key. To stop and save file entry by typing Control+d on a line by itself i.e Press and hold down the Control key and type d. On your screen you will see as follows:
cat > quotes.txt
There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation.
To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose.
^D
OR
cat quotes.txt
Method #3: Create a text file using vi / vim text editor
vi / vim is a text editor. To create a file called text.txt, type:
$ vi bar.txt
Press i to insert new text. To save the file and leave vi, type ESC+:+x (press ESC key, type : followed by x and [enter] key).
How do I edit a file just created?
You need to use a text editor such as vi or emacs:
vi filename
Grab mastering the VI editor pdf file for more information on how to use a text editor (see below for link).
Further readings
- Learn more about vi here : Download mastering the VI editor pdf version.
- See man pages: ksh(1)
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hey..very helpfull !!
i want to learn basic unix commands
If you just want an empty file you can do : > filename
You guys rock. This is a life saver. I’ve tacking a UNIX/Linux class on line and i feel lost. Just came across your website and in 10 minutes learned the first week of the online class.
the tutorial on how to is what i think people really need. It’s one thing to show the commands but its great to see exactly how its typed. I always get confused on when and where spaces go.
Now I’m 48 and been around computer for 20+ years but have been tainted when windows.
Thanks
Very helpful commands
Thanks!
hello
can u plz tell me how can i create a text file in unix?
Just type in Putty:
cat > filename.txt
——————–
This is the easiest way. :)